The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library will be celebrating the Harlem Renaissance with several events planned this winter, including one tonight at the West Wyandotte Library.
The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of African-American art and culture in Harlem that started in 1918 and spanned the 1920s and 1930s. During January and February, the library will have art exhibits, movies, book clubs, and concerts, all celebrating the movement and people of Harlem – including an artist from Kansas.
The inspiration for this event series was Aaron Douglas, a prominent and influential artist during the Harlem Renaissance. Douglas was born in Topeka, Kansas, and lived there until graduating from high school.
He moved to Harlem in 1925 and began developing his art and style. He was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance and his works influenced others for years after. He also helped set the stage for other African-American artists to enter the public realm through his involvement with the Harlem Artists Guild.
Library patrons will be able to learn more about Douglas by attending one of three events held in partnership with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 at West Wyandotte Library, Feb. 1 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and Feb. 15 at South Branch Library.
The Feb. 1 event will include a viewing of one of Douglas’s artworks. Library patrons can register for these events on the library’s online calendar at kckpl.org or by visiting is.gd/HarlemEvents.
A full list of the events that will be held can be found by visiting the web links. The culminating event is “A Night at the Savoy,” and 1920s themed concert and dance with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. With this event, travel back in time to Harlem’s famous Savoy Ballroom.
Patrons are invited to come as they are or dress up in their best 1920s inspired outfits to listen and dance the night away. It will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Main Library at 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.